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Brenda Benson Ewart
Dec 27, 2025
Brenda Benson Ewart, age 78, of Sylva, NC, passed away on Saturday, December 27th, 2025, peacefully at her home.
Brenda was born on April 27th 1947 in Arab, Alabama to Ellen and Orban Benson. Brenda was known for her strong work ethic, personality and sense of humor. She was a business owner running Brenda’s Mini Mart in Cullowhee where she had...
Garland "Burt" Bowers
Dec 24, 2025
He was born on May 5, 1951, to Sarah Bell Bowers and he will be laid to rest with family members in the Laurel Branch Cemetery in Bryson City, NC. Garland is survived by several children who now live in South Carolina. He will be missed by those who loved him and may he find rest in the loving arms...
Ruth Crawford Shuler
Dec 24, 2025
Ruth Crawford Shuler of Jackson County entered the gates of heaven the morning of December 24, 2025. Ruth was born August 3, 1938, to Glenn and Hazel Crawford, in the Willets Community, near Balsam.
Ruth was a bit of scamp as a young child; at Christmas one year Santa brought her a waterwheel, and she promptly took to the creek, waded...
Harold McMahan
Dec 26, 2025
Harold McMahan, 83, of Sylva, passed away Friday December 26, 2025. He was born on November 17th, 1942, in Jackson County to the late Albert and Annie Martin McMahan.
Harold worked in law enforcement for 30 years. He served as the chief of police at the Sylva police Department for 28 of those years and 2 years as chief Deputy for...
Rachael Dawn Ingraham
Dec 22, 2025
Rachael Dawn Ingraham, born on April 7, 1972, in Pageland, South Carolina, peacefully departed this life on December 22, 2025, in Whittier. Rachael's journey through life was characterized by her loving and compassionate nature, particularly evident in her fondness for cats. She embraced each day with warmth and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to...
Kenneth Harling
Dec 17, 2025
Ken Harling, a devoted husband and father of two, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at his residence in Webster, NC. Born in Columbia, SC, on August 9, 1947, Ken is survived by his wife, Ola; his children, Alicia Jenkins and Wayne Harling; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Throughout his life, Ken was dedicated to his faith and family,...
James Ray Conner
Dec 19, 2025
James Ray Conner, 81, of Glenville passed away on Friday, December 19, at home after several months of declining health. He was born to the late Claude and Bonnie Conner in Jackson County on July 9, 1944. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Bessie Franks Conner, siblings Luease, Elizabeth, Gracie, George, and Cora Lee.
James...
Ronald Eugene Queen
Dec 17, 2025
Ronald Eugene “Ronnie” Queen, passed away after a period of declining health on December 17, 2025. Ronnie was born on March 5, 1960 in Sylva, North Carolina and was raised in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mackie Queen, and his brother, Roger Queen.
Ronnie spent many years working as a heavy equipment operator, a trade that...
Edna Saunooke Goshorn
Dec 12, 2025
Edna Vera Saunooke Goshorn, 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Cherokee, North Carolina. She was born in Cherokee, NC, on July 18, 1929, to the late Stacey Powell Saunooke and the late Anderson Saunooke.
Edna graduated from Cherokee High School in 1947. She attended Western Carolina for two years and then transferred to Missions Nursing program in...
Mary Christine Childers
Dec 17, 2025
A Glorious Homecoming
Mary Christine Childers passed away peacefully in her sleep December 17, 2025 and woke up in glory.
Christine was born December 8, 1940 in Jackson County, North Carolina to the late Manley and Lillie Coggins. She was one of three surviving children.
No words can describe the joy and love Mrs. Christine brought to her family, and friends. Christine was...
Edna Leona Mathis
Dec 15, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edna Leona Mathis, a cherished soul, who passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 84. Edna was a long-time resident of Jackson County, North Carolina, where her warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.Edna was born on Thursday, January 2, 1941. She devoted her...
Gary Crawford Smith
Dec 14, 2025
Gary Crawford Smith, age 68, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2025. Gary was born on August 30, 1957, in Newport News, Virginia. His family later moved to Cullowhee, North Carolina, where he grew up after relocating there in the sixth grade.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, James Andrew “Jimmy” Smith, and his mother, Helen Crawford Smith.
He leaves...
Sheila Joyce Hooper
Dec 7, 2025
My beloved sister, Sheila Joyce Hooper, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 7th at Mission Hospital, with family by her side.
Born on February 19, 1954, in Sylva, NC, Sheila made her home for many years in the Big Ridge community of Glenville.
Sheila was dedicated and hard-working. She spent several years with Lea Industries before beginning a 40-year career at...
Shirley R. Moses
Dec 12, 2025
Shirley Revis Moses passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025. She was born on March 29, 1937 in Whittier, North Carolina to loving parents Robert and Amy Revis. She grew up as the 11th of 12 children in a large bustling family.
She was the cherished sister of the late Howard Revis, Paul Revis, Georgie Revis Coltrane, Inez Revis Bradsher, Bruce...
Nancy Nations Rhodes
Dec 11, 2025
Nancy Nations Rhodes of Nations Creek Road Whittier, NC went home to be with her Lord after a period of declining health.
Nancy was born to Seab and Gertrude Nations on October 13, 1952.
She was preceded in death by her father Seab Nations, her mother Gertrude Davis Nations and her brother Kenny Nations.
She is survived by her siblings Judy Wilkey (Dennis)...
Dennis Graziosi
Nov 30, 2025
Dennis Dean Graziosi was born in Jackson County, NC on December 19th, 1955. Dennis was a hard-working man that supported his family by working at Dayco for many years, until they closed. He was raised by the wonderful Alvin and Fern Watson. He was the most amazing father to his three children, sons Brandon Shane Graziosi (wife Jackie and 3...
Dora Watson Rigdon
Dec 1, 2025
Dora W. Rigdon
Dora Watson Rigdon, 102, of 69 Phoenix Road, Tuckasegee, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.
A native and lifelong resident of Jackson County, she was born on June 2, 1923, to the late John R and Mary M Alexander Watson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving...
Steven Clayton Staffelbach
Nov 15, 2025
Steven "Staff" Clayton Staffelbach, 64, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at his residence.
He was born on February 10, 1961 to Linda Clayton Staffelbach and the late Jackie H Staffelbach. Steven enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, playing corn hole, and watching college football. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his wife.
In addition to his mother, Steven...
Pauline Smathers
Nov 29, 2025
Pauline Smathers, 85, born February 4, 1940 went home to be with the Lord November 29, 2025 in her born county, Jackson.
She is preceded in death by husband Bobby Smathers and son Tim, along with mother Lorise Long and three brothers and one sister.
She is survived by sisters Phyllis Kisser and Rachel Oliver(Coleman). Children Kathy, Bobby (Myra), Kevin (April). Grandchildren...
Mildred Bryce Mitchum
Nov 25, 2025
Mildred Bryce Mitchum, 89, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
She was a native of South Carolina and a daughter of the late John and Ollie Madden Bryce. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Mitchum; a daughter, Brenda Marks; son-in-law, Tilman Price; and a step-son, Willard Bryson (Betty).
Mildred is survived by her...
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